Unions Object To Tribune Acquisition

September 28, 1985|By James Warren.

Two unions that are striking The Chicago Tribune filed objections Friday with the Federal Communications Commission to the planned $510 million acquisition of Los Angeles television station KTLA by the newspaper`s parent company.

The objections largely stem from the unions` allegation that the newspaper has committed a variety of unfair labor practices leading up to and since the strike, which started July 18.

The objections were filed by the International Typographical Union, which represents striking printers, and the Graphic Communications International Union, which represents striking pressmen.

Tribune Co., parent company of the newspaper, is awaiting FCC action on its application for KTLA`s broadcasting license. The formal period for petitions to deny Tribune Co.`s application has expired. The unions` filing is considered an ``informal objection,`` which can still be considered.

A Tribune Co. attorney said the company had not yet seen the unions`

charges but would file a response with the FCC next week.

Meanwhile, 34 members of the pressmen`s union filed suit against The Tribune here in Cook County Circuit Court. They alleged that security personnel used guard dogs to hold the workers against their will at the paper`s printing facility July 7. The disputed action came during late night confusion over whether a strike had begun.